• 80% of those who use informal childcare say they rely on grandmothers, while only 6% rely on grandfathers

• 1 in 3 mums reduced their hours, and 1 in 20 (5%) had to leave work entirely

• 9 in 10 (90%) of dads haven’t had to reduce their hours during the summer

DATE: 10th July 2026: New figures reveal that women are bearing the brunt of the stress of finding summer holiday childcare, with grandmothers the most relied on for informal arrangements.  The research shows mums are much more likely than dads to have to change their working conditions to cover the six-week break, causing lasting damage to their careers.

The findings, from Pregnant Then Screwed’s  annual summer childcare survey, show that a shocking 80% of those who use informal childcare rely on grandmothers – while only 6% rely on grandfathers.

The summer childcare juggle is pushing mums to breaking point. When asked to rate their stress from 0 (not stressed at all) to 5 (extremely stressed) 9 in 10 rated themselves 3 or higher. More than a third rated their stress at 4, and nearly a third (29%) said they were at the maximum level of 5.

Nearly 7 in 10 parents (69%) e reported not having their summer childcare needs met this year, and even for those who did, the impact on their finances and careers is significant.

9 in 10 (89%) of those surveyed (mostly mums) have had to take annual leave to manage, with many taking 2-3 weeks off. Almost a third (33%) have had to take unpaid leave, and 40% are taking 1 week of unpaid leave.

 

Many have had to change how they work just to get through the summer. 1 in 3 (33%) have reduced their hours, and 1 in 20 (5%) have left work entirely. More than half of mums (51%) are now working flexibly to cover childcare, and three‑quarters of parents (74%) say the summer juggle is damaging their career.

 

Dads and non-birthing partners are less affected, with only 81% taking annual leave (compared to 89% of mums) and many taking far less than the other parent.  The survey also shows that 9 in 10 dads (90%) haven’t had to reduce their hours or leave work at all. Only 25% of dads started working flexibly, and only 18% took unpaid leave.

 

Rachel Grocott, CEO of Pregnant Then Screwed, said: “The summer holiday juggle is becoming unmanageable for parents, and mums are consistently hit the hardest. Grandmothers stepping in shows how the impact on women spans generations. And when childcare is too expensive, too scarce, doesn’t fit your hours, and still relies on grandparents. all while you’re trying to be present for your kids,  it’s no wonder parents are stressed. And mums are paying for it in stalled careers. Especially in  a world where most households need two incomes in order to make ends meet, the pressure of the summer juggle is pushing them past breaking point.”

 

The survey also found that 67% are using holiday clubs to manage this summer, with almost half spending more than £150 a week and nearly a third paying over £200. More than half (56%) say the costs of childcare over the summer impact their ability to afford essentials.

 

It’s also reducing the amount of quality time families get to spend together, with 15% saying they weren’t able to take a family holiday because they’re using leave for summer childcare, and 35% saying it means they can’t have family time or the days out they wanted. 1 in 5 (21%) also say it’s putting a strain on their relationship.

 

Rachel adds: “Beyond the career and financial impacts, families are losing the time together that matters most. Parents are under too much pressure, and we’re watching the cracks widen year after year. It’s missed holidays, less time together, stress and a , constant feeling of running on empty. This isn’t sustainable. We can’t keep ignoring the problem and hoping women will continue to absorb the hit. We need to support families properly, and we need to do it now.”

 

The survey includes responses from more than 1,300 respondents, to read more head here.

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